"Public health is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting and protecting health through organized community efforts. It is unique in that the target for services is not just the individual, but the whole population."
Dr. Gerry Predy, Vice President, Public Health and Medical Officer of Health
Public Health is responsible for the health of the entire community.
We monitor the health of residents, prevent disease, illness and injury through education and preventative methods, and support change in the community based on factors that affect health, including legislation that promotes health. A recent example is the successful amendment of Edmonton's no-smoking bylaws to prohibit smoking in public places where children are present.
We also established the Office of Emergency Preparedness that provides emergency planning and preparedness for the entire region including the coordination of emergency plans, contingencies for major events (including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, mass casualties, and labour disruption), as well as pandemic planning.
So how do we do it? Among other things, we conduct surveillance for early detection of disease, we distribute vaccines; apply and enforce health regulations; respond to environmental incidents and outbreaks of disease; and educate the public on how to protect themselves from health risks. For example, the simple act of hand washing is promoted as an effective way to protect the population from the spread of infections. Our three specialty clinics provide the public with information and advice on tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases and travelers health. We also house an immunization business unit which contracts with employers to provide immunization for their staff. We involve elected officials in our goals and we conduct research to support our methods and direct future projects.
Our Publications:
- Population Health Priorities Annual Report - 2005/2006 (PDF)
- Population Health Priorities Annual Report - 2004/2005 (PDF)
- Population Health Survey (2002)
- Summary of the Childhood Obesity Strategic Planning Workshop (PDF)
- FAQs about the Public Health Division
- Cover Your Cough/Handwashing
- Outbreak Prevention Manuals
Our Business Units & Activities:
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